A24’s latest film, “Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland, has kicked off its theatrical run with a strong start. The political thriller raked in an impressive $2.9 million in Thursday previews, showing at 2,931 locations. With projections indicating an opening weekend gross of over $20 million, both the studio and its competitors have reason to celebrate. Notably, “Civil War” marks A24’s most expensive production yet, with a budget just shy of $60 million before advertising costs.
While A24 already sold the majority of foreign distribution rights in advance, the film will make its debut in key markets such as the UK and Australia this weekend, followed by additional territories in the coming weeks. Boasting a release across 3,800 theaters, including screenings in Imax format, “Civil War” represents A24’s largest theatrical rollout to date. Furthermore, this project is now the widest R-rated release from an independent studio.
Even prior to the official opening weekend, sources within A24 had reported $2 million in ticket pre-sales alone. This figure does not even account for revenues from early screenings. The critical reception for “Civil War” has been largely positive, with an 83% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 86% audience score. With such promising indicators, the question now becomes whether the film can resonate with audiences beyond major metropolitan areas.
There is a cautious optimism that “Civil War” will connect with viewers in so-called “heartland” states, rather than only coastal audiences. Test screenings in cities like Kansas City and Dallas yielded positive feedback, suggesting a broader appeal beyond urban centers. Notably, the star-studded cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, and Cailee Spaeny, has also been well-received. As the film aims for broader commercial success, its ability to captivate diverse moviegoers will be a key factor in its box office performance.